The Nintendo Switch has established itself as a gaming powerhouse since its release, offering gamers a versatile and enjoyable experience. While many players are well-acquainted with its core functionalities, there are some hidden features tucked away in the settings that can enhance your gaming experience.
Activate dark mode for a soothing gaming experience
Dark Mode is not just a trend; it’s a feature that can significantly benefit your Nintendo Switch experience. By switching the background color from white to black, you can reduce eye strain when playing in low-light conditions. Additionally, if you own the Switch OLED model, Dark Mode can maximize your battery life. To activate this feature, follow these simple steps:
Navigate to “Settings.”
Select “Themes.”
Choose “Basic Black” to enable Dark Mode.
If you decide that Dark Mode isn’t for you, you can easily revert to the original color scheme by following the same steps but selecting “Basic White” instead.
Enhance accessibility with zoom
The Nintendo Switch’s handheld mode is fantastic for gaming on the go, but its small screen can make reading small text a challenge. To address this issue, Nintendo has included an accessibility mode called Zoom. Here’s how to enable it:
Go to “Settings.”
Navigate to “System.”
Select “Zoom” and set it to “On.”
Once you’ve enabled Zoom, you can double-tap the home button on the right Joy-Con to zoom in by pressing X and zoom out by pressing Y. To exit Zoom mode, double-tap the home button again. This feature ensures that you won’t miss any details, no matter how small they may be.
Streamline your gaming setup with TV power sync
Playing your Nintendo Switch in docked mode can sometimes be a hassle when you have to turn on both your TV and Switch console separately. Fortunately, there’s a handy feature called “Match TV Power State” that can simplify this process:
Access the “Settings” menu.
Choose “TV Output.”
Enable “Match TV Power State.”
It’s worth noting that not all TV models support this feature, so you’ll need to check if it’s compatible with your setup. If you find it more annoying than convenient, you can follow the same steps to deactivate it.
Download games in sleep mode
If you’ve docked your Nintendo Switch while using a wired internet connection, you might have noticed that it won’t download games while in sleep mode. This is done to conserve power and prioritize recharging. However, it can be frustrating when you’re eager to start playing a new game. Luckily, Nintendo has provided a way to turn off this feature:
Access “Settings.”
Navigate to “Sleep Mode.”
Choose “Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode.”
Now, you can download games in sleep mode while using a wired connection, ensuring you won’t have to wait to dive into your gaming adventures.
Utilize Nintendo points for discounts
Nintendo offers a points system that can save you money on future digital purchases. You automatically earn points when buying a digital game, but you can also earn points for physical purchases. Here’s how to do it:
Insert a game cartridge into your Nintendo Switch.
Hover over the game on the home screen and press the Plus button.
Scroll down to “My Nintendo Rewards Programme.”
Click “Earn Gold Points.”
Keep in mind that you must register a game within two years of its original release date to claim points. Each point typically represents a penny, so accumulating points can lead to significant discounts. To use your points, follow these steps:
Go to the eShop.
Select the game you want to purchase.
Proceed to purchase and click “Use Points for a discount.”
Now you can enjoy your favorite games at a lower cost, thanks to the Nintendo Points system.
If you own both an Xbox and a Nintendo Switch, you may find it frustrating that the A and B buttons are swapped around, potentially affecting your muscle memory and multiplayer performance. Fortunately, Nintendo allows you to customize the button mapping on the Nintendo Switch, allowing you to create your ideal controller configuration:
Access “Settings.”
Navigate to “Controllers and Sensors.”
Select “Change Button Mapping.”
From there, you can choose a Joy-Con to customize and adjust the button mapping to your preferences. While you can’t apply the functionality of a button on the right Joy-Con to a button on the left Joy-Con, this feature is still valuable for those who prefer a specific controller layout.
Your Nintendo Switch offers more than meets the eye. By exploring these hidden features, you can enhance your gaming experience, improve accessibility, and streamline your setup. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the Nintendo Switch world, these tips and tricks will help you make the most out of your beloved handheld gaming device.
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